Why is Budget 2021 facing potential opposition from Pakatan Harapan?

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Budget 2021 Faces Potential Opposition from Pakatan Harapan Due to Unrealistic Projections and Inadequate Allocations

Pakatan Harapan (PH) has indicated a potential opposition to the government's Budget 2021, citing concerns over unrealistic financial projections, insufficient measures to address the economic crisis, and the allocation of funds. PH's stance hinges on the inclusion of six key recommendations, which they believe will better serve the public interest and provide more equitable support during challenging times. Without these amendments, PH has signaled it will not support the budget.
Criticism of Special Affairs Department (Jasa) Allocation and Health Ministry Budget Cuts

A significant point of contention for PH is the RM85.5 million allocated to the revived Special Affairs Department (Jasa), which was previously dismantled by the PH government in 2018. PH argues that these funds could be better utilized for essential services such as dilapidated schools, which received RM58 million, or childcare facilities for frontliners, allocated RM30 million. Furthermore, PH expressed shock and dismay at the 20.5% reduction in the Ministry of Health's budget, from RM14.2 billion in 2020 to RM11.3 billion in 2021, including a drastic 74% cut for pharmacy and supplies. This reduction is seen as particularly detrimental during an economic crisis when public reliance on healthcare services is heightened.
Alignment with Some PH Proposals and Call for Increased Deficit Spending

While critical, PH acknowledged that some measures within Budget 2021 align with its previously submitted proposals. These include increased resources for pandemic response, investments in broadband for schools, and financial aid for small and medium enterprises in Sabah. However, PH contends that the budget's overall public welfare provisions could be enhanced. To that end, PH is advocating for an additional 4% deficit spending in 2021, based on more realistic Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, to enable greater support for families and businesses.
PH's Six Key Recommendations for Budget 2021

Pakatan Harapan has outlined six specific recommendations that they insist must be incorporated into Budget 2021 to secure their support. These proposals encompass increased resources for the Ministry of Health to combat Covid-19 and Non-Communicable Diseases, with a special focus on Sabah. They also call for expanded social protection and welfare payments, including an increase in monthly aid to RM1,000 for vulnerable and unemployed individuals. Additionally, PH proposes an extension of the bank loan moratorium until March 31, 2021, and the continuation of the Wage Subsidy Programme until the same date, alongside job creation initiatives. Finally, the coalition demands increased education spending for continuity and development expenditure on key infrastructure projects like the National Fiberisation Connectivity Plan and water infrastructure upgrades in Selangor, Kelantan, and Pahang.

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Why is Budget 2021 facing potential opposition from Pakatan Harapan?

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